New USPS Package Fees went into Effect 4/4/22

April 8th, 2022

USPS announced two new fees that went into effect this week. Packages over 2 cubic feet in volume will incur fees between $16.50 to $19 on top of the cost of shipping.  This will affect larger packages, particularly fiber and yarn, and makes UPS Ground and FedEx Ground more viable for shipments 2 cubic feet or more.

Here is an example of a 2 Cubic Foot box
      18″ x 15″ x 12.5″        3375 cubic inches

USPS Dimensional Noncompliance Fee

Shipments that are over 1 cubic feet or have a length greater than 22″ that are shipped with missing dimensions or incorrect dimensions will be charged an additional $1.50 noncompliance fee.
Shipments over 2 cubic feet (cubic volume exceeds 3456 inches) then the $1.50 noncompliance fee will automatically apply as well.

USPS Non Standard Fee

The USPS Non Standard Fee has a few more layers to unpack. Essentially, packages that exceed a certain dimensional threshold will incur an additional fee in addition to the postage.

  • Parcels that are longer than 22 inches but less than 30 inches will see a $4.00 surcharge.
  • Parcels that exceed 30 inches in length will incur a $15.00 surcharge.
  • Parcels that measure greater than 2 cubic (3456 cubic inches) feet will also see a $15.00 fee added.

It’s more important than ever to compare your shipping options to get the very best price. For packages over 16x12x12, compare UPS Ground, FedEx, and the new USPS Rates including the new fees to find your most economical rate.

New Rugs are Here!

January 18th, 2022

A new supply of our handwoven rugs are finally here!  Many sizes and color options, including 2’x3′, 3’x5′, 4’x6′ and runners of various lengths.  These gorgeous handwoven rugs are made from alpaca fiber from our farm in Vermont. They will become an heirloom, treasured for their beauty and durability.  The alpaca fiber is spun around a core, which gives the rug years of durability and allows it to be reversible. Each rug is unique.  Check them all out at our online store.

Holiday Open House is Just Around the Corner!

November 5th, 2019

Vermont Fiber Mill & Studio and Maple View Farm Alpacas will host its annual holiday open house on November 30 and December 1 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. Guests are invited to learn about alpacas, raised for breeding as well as their luxurious fiber. Visit the fiber mill and see a demonstration of the FeltLOOM, used to create felt fabric.  Then browse the farm store for great holiday gifts made from luxurious alpaca. It’s always a fun weekend!

Click on flyer to enlarge.

FeltLOOM Rental

May 13th, 2019

The FeltLOOM rental schedule is updated thru July if you are interested in renting the machine to do your own felting.

Work-In List Re-Opening January, 2019

November 13th, 2018

Thanks to everyone who continues to have us process their fiber … we appreciate it. As you know, we try to accommodate as many customer orders as possible by not only utilizing our reservation system but also by maintaining a work-in list for certain types of jobs (wash-pick-card). Our work-in list is ready to re-open and we will begin accepting work-in jobs in January, 2019. If you have some processing that fits the criteria and would like to be on the list, please contact us as soon as possible. The work-in list can fill up quickly. Thank you!

Work-In List Closed for Remainder of 2018

July 18th, 2018

Thanks to everyone who continues to have us process their fiber … we appreciate it. As you know, we try to accommodate as many customer orders as possible by not only utilizing our reservation system but by maintaining a work-in list for certain types of jobs (wash-pick-card). Our work-in list is now quite long and as a result we are temporarily halting the acceptance of any additional work-in jobs for the remainder of 2018. If it looks like we are getting thru that list faster than anticipated, we will re-open it as soon as possible. Thank you!

Shearing at Maple View Farm

May 11th, 2018

Visit the farm on shearing day to watch the alpacas get their annual shearing.  May 24 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Contact us at mvfalpacas@gmail.com to let us know you plan to come by and we’ll firm up the time with you as the date gets closer.

Mill Photos

April 9th, 2017

Thought I’d post some photos taken of the mill for an article.

Fiber drying at the wash house.

Ed making rug yarn.

Glo at the plyer.

Roving coming off the card.

Debbie looking at yarn that was just spun.

Glo feeding the carder.

Debbie removing fiber from the separator output bin.

Yarn made in the mill.

The Equipment is Here!

April 29th, 2012

On April 25 the Belfast Mini Mill equipment arrived!  The next day was spent setting up the equipment and then training began.  How nice that VFM&S has hired 3 great employees and has 600+ lbs of alpaca, wool and mohair to train and practice with.  You can view photos of the mill installation on Facebook at Vermont Fiber Mill, including the photo of our first yarn!